8th December 1941

It is 18 months since I arrived in England, in London and hugged my parents. On the 20 June 1942 I must be in the Celle St Cloud, Seine & Oise, France

Wife’s Note

You were nearly a year late, my dear love. The 31/5/43. I was in your arms very briefly. When will I be again?

10th December 1941

Wednesday: Bad news these last few days and even worse today. The Japs have sunk the Prince of Wales. It’s a bad knock for the Navy. The Americans have a sleeping pill and the Japanese are nearly in Alaska.

6th December 1941

How I would like to disembark in France with the boys and to go and hug you. But courage and patience, that day will come – I have received via the Red Cross, an answer to one of my messages. You tell me that you have given notice on our flat and that Gerard has slip up with Robert. Both bits of news are hard. I wonder, were you able to save any of the furniture.

28th October 1941

18 days since I wrote to you. I am now in a new building. Turnstill House, High Holborn. The building was damaged last winter, but has been repaired. I am on the 6th floor with long views. All around us are ruins, houses destroyed by fire and bombs.

8th October 1941

Wed morning, loads of work from morning to evening. I am now in a large office with Squadron Leader Green, Petit Officer Hardy, Miss Sherwood and myself (still Sergeant.). A lot more room and my work has been simplified. Wing Commander Wells and Biles are in the next office. Had lunch with Jean. I am now part of the Free French Clique and can eat at their club/mess. You can eat very well for 2 shillings and a litre of wine costs 1 shilling instead of 4 or 5 shillings in the shops. The atmosphere is very nice and you can eat with the Officers. General Valin, Admiral Muselier, Capt. Bouderie, Charles, Muselier and others.

9th October 1941

It was raining a bit this morning, but the visibility has improved these last days and our aerial activity should resume. The Germans seem to be making a big push and I am fearful for the Russians.